OPTIMISTATION OF EGG TO TABLE GROW OUT OF ATLANTIC SALMON IN A FULL FRESHWATER RECIRCULATION AQUACULTURE SYSTEM

RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) technology is a proven solution for providing sustainable, high-quality protein to meet the increasing demand of the continuously growing population. This presentation discusses how significant advances in growth performance (Fig 1.) from egg to 4.5kg market size Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) have been achieved at both technological and biological level in an entirely freshwater RAS technology over the last 5 years.

Innovative design of AquaMaof RAS facility has developed a tailor-made solids settler, a unique biofilter, oxygen-dissolving systems with low head requirements, a depuration capability, and a built-in denitrification system that enables the recycling of water and significantly reduces water consumption. This technology has significantly improved carbon dioxide stripping efficiency and elimination of hydrogen sulphide to support optimal growth and welfare. Further, through optimised adjustments in water chemistry and thermal regimes, in conjunction with the application of enhanced nutrition in each production phase, we have reduced operational grow-out by 7-8 weeks. At present we have achieved a head on gutted weight of 4.2kg within 19 months of first feeding, whilst maintaining high survival and welfare standards, providing a high-quality market-size salmon utilising a sustainable aquaculture production system.